EIP Microwave Frequency Counters
5 models with full specifications in Counters.
EIP Microwave has a long-standing reputation for producing reliable microwave frequency counters designed for laboratory, research, and automated test environments. These instruments are built around robust signal discrimination, wide frequency coverage, and specialized features like source locking or selective power measurement. This page covers key models in the EIP lineup, such as the EIP Microwave 545A, EIP Microwave 548A, EIP Microwave 548B, EIP Microwave 575, and EIP Microwave 578, explaining how their multi-band architecture is structured and highlighting the primary differences in frequency coverage, acquisition speed, and functional options. Understanding these differences helps technical buyers and engineers select the appropriate instrument for their benchtop or system requirements.
- Frequency Coverage
- 10 Hz to 26.5 GHz (expandable to 110 GHz)
- Display Readout
- 12-digit LED
- Low Frequency Input Impedance
- 1 MΩ
- Microwave Input Impedance
- 50 Ω
All models
| Model | Type | Display | Dimensions (W×H×D) | Interfaces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 548A | Microwave | 12-digit LED readout | — | — |
| 545A | Frequency | 12-digit LED display with annunciators | 425 mm × 88 mm × 356 mm | GPIB (IEEE-488) interface available via Option 01 |
| 575 | Frequency | 12-digit LED display | 432 × 89 × 457 mm | GPIB (IEEE-488) |
| 578 | Microwave | 12-digit LED display | 432 mm × 89 mm × 457 mm | GPIB (IEEE-488), Analog Source Lock DAC Output (BNC) |
| 548B | Frequency | 12-digit LED | 413 × 140 × 457 | GPIB (IEEE-488) |
Looking for EIP Microwave Frequency Counters?
Tell us what you need. We're building a network of equipment dealers and will get back to you if we can help source it — no obligation.
Selling this kind of equipment? Sell with us
Three-Band Input Architecture
EIP Microwave counters utilize a multi-band input structure to cover low, medium, and microwave frequency ranges. The standard configuration across several models, including the EIP Microwave 545A, EIP Microwave 548A, EIP Microwave 548B, EIP Microwave 575, and EIP Microwave 578, features a 10 Hz to 100 MHz low-frequency band (Band 1). This band consistently offers a sensitivity of 25 mV RMS with a 1 MΩ input impedance.
Medium-frequency signals are handled by Band 2, covering 10 MHz to 1 GHz with a nominal 50 Ω impedance. High-frequency microwave signals are directed to Band 3. This microwave band ranges up to 18 GHz on the EIP Microwave 545A and EIP Microwave 575, or up to 26.5 GHz on the EIP Microwave 548A, EIP Microwave 548B, and EIP Microwave 578.
Source Locking and Frequency Extension
For applications requiring phase-locking of external microwave sweepers and signal sources, the 570 series provides specialized source locking capabilities. The EIP Microwave 575 supports automatic source locking from 10 Hz to 18 GHz and features a YIG-tuned RF input filter that delivers high FM tolerance and automatic amplitude discrimination.
The EIP Microwave 578 expands on this with a wider standard Band 3 range of 1 GHz to 26.5 GHz and includes an Analog Source Lock DAC Output on a BNC connector. For high-frequency applications, the EIP Microwave 578 can be configured with Option 06 to extend its frequency capability up to 110 GHz.
CW Measurements and Acquisition Performance
The 540 series counters focus on high-performance continuous-wave (CW) measurements. The EIP Microwave 545A offers a normal acquisition time of 250 ms, a tracking speed of 800 MHz/s, and automatic amplitude discrimination of 10 dB. Power measurements on the EIP Microwave 545A can be added via Option 02, providing 0.1 dB resolution and 0.5 dB typical accuracy.
The EIP Microwave 548B offers a normal mode acquisition time of 200 ms and a rapid 20 ms center frequency mode. It provides keyboard-controlled frequency limit selection, a tracking speed of 800 MHz/sec, and a Band 3 frequency range up to 26.5 GHz (expandable to 110 GHz). For power measurements up to 26.5 GHz on standard systems, the EIP Microwave 548A provides power readout in dBm when equipped with Option 02.
Popular models
Frequently asked questions
- What is the frequency range of the EIP Microwave 548B?
- The EIP Microwave 548B has a standard Band 1 range of 10 Hz to 100 MHz, a Band 2 range of 10 MHz to 1 GHz, and a Band 3 range of 1 GHz to 26.5 GHz, which is expandable to 110 GHz.
- Can the EIP Microwave 545A perform power measurements?
- Yes. When equipped with Option 02, the EIP Microwave 545A supports power measurements with a resolution of 0.1 dB and a typical accuracy of 0.5 dB.
- What distinguishes the EIP Microwave 570 series counters, such as the 575 and 578?
- The 570 series counters feature specialized automatic source locking capabilities. The EIP Microwave 575 features automatic source locking from 10 Hz to 18 GHz, while the EIP Microwave 578 supports source locking up to 26.5 GHz (expandable to 110 GHz with Option 06) and includes an Analog Source Lock DAC Output.